07/01/14

From Fred Hersch: An Open Letter re the Outbeat Jazz Festival

Pianist objects to tagline "America's First Queer Jazz Festival"

Pianist Fred Hersch has written an open letter to the organizers of the upcoming Outbeat jazz Festival, which has been using the phrase "America's First Queer Jazz Festival" in its promotional material. The full text of the letter follows.

"I am very pleased to be participating in an historic first: the Outbeat Jazz Festival to take place in Philadelphia from September 18th-21st. The festival is the first in America to explore the intersection between the great universal American jazz art form and its many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) performers, composers, arrangers, and promoters."

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Fred Hersch

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"I am writing this because, in the midst of the creation of this important first festival of its kind, the tagline 'America's First Queer Jazz Festival' was included in promotional materials and marketing campaigns for the festival. Though I have been 'out' in the jazz community since the 1980's, I do not play 'gay jazz' - if there were such a thing. And I certainly do not self-identify as 'queer' - I also would have preferred that I been consulted in this key marketing decision as it came as a surprise to me. It may be that 'LGBT' is not well-known as a descriptive term outside of progressive circles; 'gay' is not inclusive enough, but 'queer' is clear to all--whether in a positive or negative connotation. At any rate, I do hope that this festival will explore the impact of LGBT influence in many aspects of the jazz world and feature some inspired music."

-Fred Hersch

1 Comment

Hi Fred
I don't think anyone thinks you play gay jazz, however because the festival is so historically important, I think the term queer does nothing to promote the event or the performances. I would go as far as to say, I think the term "America's First Queer Jazz Festival" is alienating rather than embracing all musicians and people of all lifestyles and sexual preferences. I wonders if it feeds into a stereotypical view of the LGBT community.